An Island Is Looking For A New King/Pub Owner Who Matches Its 1800s Criteria

If you’ve ever daydreamed about becoming king (who hasn’t?), you’re in luck. A small island off the Furness peninsula on the western coast of England is looking for a king to rule the land, though you’ll have to double up as the pub landlord.

Piel Island, which measures just 50 acres across, is home to its famed pub: The Ship Inn. Unlike regular pub owners who are in charge of the day-to-day running of the establishment, the landlord here has a wider breadth of duties, including watching over the entire island. 

According to Food & Wine, back in the 1800s, it was decided that whoever run the pub would be crowned “King of Piel.” The Barrow Borough Council, who oversees the island, said the inn dates back at least 300 years.

During the initiation (or coronation, if you’d like), the new “leader” of the island will be made to sit in an ancient chair, wear a helmet, and clasp a rusty sword while buckets of beer are poured over them.

The council said “members felt that an open and transparent procurement for a suitably experienced operator should take place,” given that the previous landlord has terminated their contract early. It hopes to find a king who will govern the island for the next 10 years.

“Piel Island is a unique place and any operator needs to appreciate the constraints offered by power, weather, access, and its location within an area of Site of Special Scientific Interest,” the brief said.

John Murphy, who has led walks to the island for nearly four decades, told The Guardian the next king will have to be “massively dedicated.” He explained: “You can’t just nip across to Tesco for a loaf of bread when you’re on Piel Island. You’ll need to have dedication and strong passion for isolation and peace and quiet.” 

“It takes a special personality,” he added.

[via Food & Wine and The Guardian, cover image via JDHPhotos | Dreamstime.com]